Brocklebank was ordered to pay $21,000 for the costs of Consumer Protection to prosecute him, $9800 in fines for taking payment from customers without providing a service and $4290 compensation to his victims.

Brocklebank did not attend the March 16 hearing.

He was found guilty of five breaches of Australian Consumer Law while operating under the business names Perth Evaporative Air and Gas Services and Elements, Hearth, Wind and Fire.

On one occasion in January 2013, a disability pensioner paid him a 50 per cent deposit for a $3100 airconditioning unit to be installed within a week.

Brocklebank never completed the work and never repaid the consumer after making excuses for why he could not supply the unit.

In February 2013, he took full payment from a couple for a $3000 airconditioner, which the pair never received.

Brocklebank gave the couple only $1000 back.

Last month’s fines follow penalties he received in 2014 and 2012 for similar matters.

Brocklebank’s misconduct dates as far back as 1991 when he committed offences against the Home Building Contracts Act.

Consumer Protection acting commissioner David Hillyard said Brocklebank had repeatedly taken money from customers without providing a service.

He said he also misled customers on the occasions he did provide a service.

“Mr Brocklebank sold one couple a supposed one-year-old ex-demo, airconditioning unit for $2000,” he said.

“Instead, he installed a unit made up from used parts; with some of the parts up to 12 years old.”

He advised consumers to avoid Brocklebank, when looking for airconditioning or gas services.